IMMIGRATION NEWS
 

Immigration: A Second Chance! By, Edward Juarez Immigrant's Voice (TV program)  Column: August 25, 2009 Give your opinion on our Immigration Forum Edward's Blog
	Edward Juarez
	Founder and President

In 1996, three immigration acts were enacted, each one harsher than the other, but none as cruel as the Anti-Terrorist Act.  This act qualifies every immigrant (legal or undocumented), with a past criminal history (no matter when the crime was made), as being permanently inadmissible.  They are not allowed to enter or remain in the country for having committed a felony that required more than 1 year in prison, or for having committed three of more misdemeanors.

As of 1997, more than one million immigrants have been deported, separated from their families and penalized two fold by being expelled from the United States after already having fulfilled their sentence for committing a crime, generally made for the first time when having entered the country.

65% of deportations that were executed were due to the lack of legal representation and for not knowing the English language.  93% of these cases were Latin Americans, the majority being Mexican and from the Caribbean.

On March 16th 2009, a well- loved democratic congressman of N.Y., Mr. Charles B. Rangel, presented a proposal for Law “HR 1529- A Second Chance for Ex-Offenders”.  The objective of this proposal is to redeem or erase criminal acts (not those of violence) to those who meet the following criteria:                                            
1) Must have completed their full sentence. 2) Have never been convicted of a violent offence. 3) If they were convicted for drugs or alcohol, must have been declared ‘legally rehabilitated’. 4) Have a high school diploma or completed an equivalency program.  5) Have completed at least one year of community service.

As of now, this proposal holds only 18 co-sponsors, and holds little water.  The leadership of Congressman Rangel deserves a round of applause and unanimous support.  Our brethren deserve a second chance!  Support this proposal by emailing: ApoyoHR1529@gmail.com.